Bhitarkanika National Park Set to Gain Railway Connectivity with Jajpur Road-Dhamra Line

Bhubaneswar: The Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapara district is set to receive a significant boost with the upcoming railway connectivity through the proposed Jajpur Road-Dhamra railway line.

This 95-km line, sanctioned at a cost of Rs 2.4 crore last year, is currently undergoing the Final Location Survey from both ends and is expected to conclude by March. The survey report, slated for submission in April, will undergo approval processes, paving the way for subsequent detailed project reports and final approval.

Originally approved in 2012-13, the project gained momentum following its prioritization by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The railway line will traverse through key stations like Chhotaraipur, Rampur Segadi, Bahabalpur, Jajpur Town, Jaleswarpur, Saipura, Mangalpur, Aradi, Chandabali, and Bhitarkanika, offering improved connectivity in the region.

Anticipated to reduce the distance between Jajpur Road and Dhamra by 13 km, the project is poised to benefit approximately 30 lakh people across three districts. Notably, it will also provide crucial rail connectivity to the renowned Bhitarkanika National Park.

Once integrated into the railway network, the national park is expected to become a major attraction for tourists and nature enthusiasts, further boosting the region’s appeal.